And while the course focuses on the business of eSports, with students expected to develop a large-scale commercial event in their final year, it also offers six scholarship opportunities worth £2,000 to fund a competitive gaming career.

(Joe Giddens/PA)

Competitive gaming leagues, often watched by live audiences and millions at home, have become increasingly popular.

The course’s first year centres on the culture of eSports, the business of professional gaming and event marketing.

In the second year students will be expected to produce a team-based eSports event, while the third will see that expand to a large commercial event.

.@StaffsUni is introducing the UK's first eSports degree to commence in 2018. Fantastic

Tutors specialise in marketing, game design, media technology and event management, as well as eSport practitioners – with the degree aimed at getting graduates a career as anything from an eSports player to a coach, journalist, or event manager.

The world of competitive gaming is one that’s growing, with forecasters predicting global revenue of over £1 billion by 2020 and an audience reaching over 600 million.